So… Diabetes is your fault?

World Diabetes Day – November 14, 2021. You would think a day that the entire world celebrates should be about creating awareness, reducing stigma, and moving the conversation forward on how we can manage the global epidemic of diabetes. And I would say most people and organizations did exactly that! With one exception. The World Health Organization (WHO), those little rascals decided to do the complete opposite. Or perhaps someone accidentally put one of the Tiktok gym bros in charge of their social media campaign this year. Either way, this is the doozy of an infographic they decided to blast out on the interwebs. 

*Sigh*

So the cause of Type 2 Diabetes is due to a lack of activity and excess weight? And If that said individual would just get up, move and eat less, their problem with diabetes would be solved? Brilliant. This idea is like Chapter 1 of the Tiktok gym bro handbook called, ‘How to Start Providing Unsolicited and Opinion-Based Advice to Fat People.’ I also like how they further reinforced the message with the imagery of a person sitting on a couch eating a bag of chips. ‘Let’s make it as clear as possible that Diabetes is the result of gluttony and laziness.’ 

*Insert applause here*

Way to go WHO! You just told 460+ million people that Type 2 Diabetes is their fault. They brought this disease on themselves because they spent too much time sitting on the couch eating chips. Factors like genetics, socioeconomic status, environment, psychological stressors, medications, etc. have absolutely nothing to do with it. 

This campaign flies directly in the face of what World Diabetes Day is trying to accomplish, and really what any clinician with half a brain and practicing in obesity is also trying to accomplish. 

Now, before the Tiktok gym bros start coming @me to defend their brethren – no one is saying that weight, dietary patterns, and physical activity don’t play a role. I repeat literally NO ONE is saying that. Those things absolutely can play a role. In fact, managing dietary patterns and becoming more active are two things that an individual can engage in to not only reduce their risk of developing diabetes but to also manage the condition as well.

BUT, and this is a BIG effing BUT. 

1) Diet, activity, and WEIGHT are not the only factors driving the disease. If we look at all the people that have obesity, only 30% of them have diabetes. Say what?! If weight is one of the main drivers why don’t more people with obesity also have diabetes? Or maybe just maybe, there is something else at play?

2) To lose weight, improve your dietary patterns, and become more active requires a huge amount of privilege. Wouldn’t it be nice to eat more veggies? Oh wait, the nearest supermarket is a 1.5-hour bus ride away. Wouldn’t it be nice to go for a walk every night after dinner? Oh wait, you can’t actually go for a walk, let alone eat dinner, because you have to rush off to your second job so you maybe can afford food and the power bill that month. 

Make sense?

Fortunately, the WHO smartened up and took the post down. Yes, it did take a significant amount of dragging on Twitter before they came to their senses, but nonetheless, they took it down. Furthermore, they owned up to their f*ck up, and as someone who f*cks up a lot, that was the best thing they could do. Own it, and do better next time. 

Until next time my friends! 

Dr. Dan

Share:

More Posts

CDC Report: Is Obesity Finally Declining?

Is the fight against obesity showing progress? Reviewing the latest CDC data, I found a slight drop in obesity rates—but with severe obesity rising, is it too soon to celebrate? Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may help curb cravings, but real change requires combining these tools with lifestyle shifts and societal improvements in food access and city planning.

Why Your Weight Settles

Discover why your weight seems stuck and how to break free with insights into the Settling Point Theory. Learn the differences between settling point and set point, and explore practical strategies to shift your body’s natural weight “comfort zone.” Gain tips on lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise to help overcome weight plateaus and achieve sustainable weight loss.

Obesity Stories EP 7: Meet Cathy

Cathy’s inspiring weight loss journey reveals how she overcame trauma and found success with Mounjaro. Her story dives into lifelong struggles with obesity, emotional healing, and the tools that helped transform her health. Watch the video to see how Cathy reclaimed her life and embraced a healthier future.

Stop Shoulding Yourself

Are you tired of feeling guilty about your goals? Discover how the word “should” can sabotage your progress. Learn practical steps to replace self-criticism with self-compassion and achieve your goals with joy and intention.

Send Us A Message

Try My New Calorie Calculator!

Calculate your daily calorie and protein targets to help you achieve your weight goals.

Try My New Calorie Calculator!

Calculate your daily calorie and protein targets to help you achieve your weight goals.